Veronika du'Sunil

(1998 - 2030)

Veronika du'Sunil was born under the vast skies of a region where her unusual name whispered of far-off lands and a mingling of heritages. Her mother, of French descent, had a love for unique names, while her father's roots were deeply embedded in the soil of India, giving Veronika a striking appearance that included a mane of fiery red hair, a testament to her mixed ancestry.

Growing up in Llançà, a serene coastal town in Spain, she lived a life where the Mediterranean was her backyard, and cultures converged. Less than an hour by rail from mémé's house in Banyuls-sur-Mer, France, she frequently bridged the two worlds with ease. Equally, the vibrant city life of Barcelona was just a two hour train ride away, where she, always mistaken for substantially older, reveled in evenings filled with lively conversations and spirited gatherings, fully embracing the cosmopolitan pulse of Catalonia. 

Veronika's physical stature and vibrant hair made her the center of unwelcome attention from a young age. By the time she was 16, she had reached a formidable height of 200 cm (approximately 6'7"), her build powerful and imposing, reminiscent of a seasoned linebacker. This physicality, while making her an unmatched asset in sports, also cast her as an outlier among her peers, isolating her from the typical circles of friendship that form in youth. 

Veronika found solace and acceptance among male friends, with whom she shared interests that ranged from the physical—like sports and outdoor adventures—to the intellectual, delving into discussions about the world's state, technology, and the future. Yet, even in this company, there was an undercurrent of not fully belonging, a sentiment that Veronika carried quietly within her.

Nearing college she grew into her face pleasantly and her chest expanded nearly overnight. Her male friends started acting strangely around her.

Her distinctive appearance and the treatment she received because of it shaped Veronika's personality. She developed a resilience and a self-reliance that belied her years, qualities that would serve her well in the tumultuous times to come. Despite the challenges, she nurtured a keen intellect and a compassionate heart, driven by a desire to find a place where she truly belonged, where her physical appearance was an asset, not a source of alienation.

At 17, Veronika’s life took a harsh and unexpected turn when four schoolmates attempted to assault her after school. Acting on pure instinct and adrenaline, she delivered a martial arts blow to the leader's spine, resulting in the partial paralysis of his right leg. Unfortunately, the boy was the son of a wealthy and influential local figure. Despite the incident being a clear case of self-defense to those who knew the truth, the story was twisted in the courts, and Veronika was sentenced to 20 months in prison. Those months behind bars became an education in survival of a different kind, sharpening her situational awareness and teaching her the delicate balance between power and restraint. Veronika quickly learned to navigate the tense, unpredictable prison environment, where every look and action could determine whether she found an ally or an adversary. This experience not only honed her instincts but also cemented her determination to never be a victim again, forging the unyielding strength that would come to define her in the years to follow.

The collapse brought chaos but also opportunity. Veronika's path eventually led her to Mittenwald, a place that, in the aftermath, became a haven for those skilled and strong enough to navigate the new world order. It was here that she crossed paths with Otto, a charismatic leader assembling a crew of talented individuals to carve out a semblance of civilization amid the ruins.

Otto recognized Veronika's strengths immediately—not just her physical prowess but her sharp mind and her ability to inspire loyalty. She became an integral part of his crew, her skills in strategy and her imposing presence making her a natural leader and protector within the group. Nicknamed The Berg, she wore the title with pride. The immovable force.

At Tal der Ruhe, among the eclectic assembly of survivors and visionaries, Veronika found something akin to the home she had always sought. Her red hair, once a beacon of otherness, became a symbol of her strength and identity, a fiery banner leading her newfound family into the uncertain future.

Veronika du'Sunil's story is one of overcoming, of finding strength in difference, and of the unyielding quest for a place to call home. In the new world rising from the ashes of the old, she stands tall—not just in stature, but in spirit and purpose.